Wide Mood Swings and Can’t Hold a Job

Reader’s Question

This question is going to sound really stupid but here it goes anyway. I am a 33-year-old female, and I have been experiencing extreme mood swings for several years now (since pre-teen years). Lately, however, they have become worse. I will be in a really good mood, feeling happy and positive and then in just a matter of minutes, I feel exactly the opposite. I will eat a bunch of junk food and get very depressed (not suicidal) and not want to leave the house. I’ll cancel my plans and lie and say that I am sick and just sit and watch TV or sleep. I feel so guilty about these lies. Then, for no apparent reason, I’ll get a boost of energy and feel good again. This can happen several times a day. It is very frustrating and it seems as if I have no contol over my emotions. I cannot make plans because of fear of not being able to follow through with them. Also, I have not been able to hold a job. I will get one and be excited about it but when it is time to go to work, I feel extreme panic and anxiety and I just cannot go. Then I call and quit and feel like such a failure and loser. I have quit a half a dozen jobs in the last few years. Now, I am afraid to even apply for one. Do you have any advice for me on what this might be? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.

Psychologist’s Reply

Your moods and your life have become unstable over the past several years. Clinically, this is more than just mood swings as your symptoms are preventing employment and social relationships, and making you homebound. I would strongly recommend consulting with a psychiatrist as your symptoms have immobilized you. This is not likely go away and in fact, may become worse if left untreated.

I’d also recommend reading articles on Depression available on this website. I have articles on depression as well as “Chemical Imbalance” available on my website at www.drjoecarver.com. It’s important that you act on your situation and start the recovery that will lead you back to your life.